Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY240395 Unique Reference Number 15 August 2006 Inspection date Cathleen Howarth Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 2002. She lives with her partner and two children aged five and 13 in Skelmanthorpe, near Huddersfield. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed back garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding nine children on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. Transport can also be provided. The childminder attends local parent and toddler groups and playgroups.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have two guinea pigs and a rabbit in a hutch in the garden. There are goldfish in a tank in the lounge.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the local childminding support group and the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are appropriately protected from infection and taken care of if they have an accident or become ill. Most procedures are in place, for example, accident and existing injury records which parents countersign to keep them informed of their children's welfare. Sometimes insufficient information is obtained from parents about children's individual health needs, making the existing medication procedure less effective.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to understand simple hygiene practices, such as washing their hands before snack to wash away germs. The family’s pets do not pose a health risk to children because they are well cared for, and live in clean surroundings. Older children know to wash their hands after handling them. The home is clean, and a good standard of hygiene is maintained in the best interest of children. The personal care needs of the very young, with regard to nappy changing and toilet training, are appropriately met. Satisfactory sanitary procedures are demonstrated by the attentive childminder. She exchanges relevant information with parents about their child’s daily routines and requirements.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy and take part in regular physical activity. They like to play in the back garden and bounce on the trampoline and space hopper. They play football, use ride-on and push along equipment, such as scooters. There are sufficient opportunities to walk round parks, and use playgrounds to swing, climb and balance. Opportunities, such as these help children develop muscle tone, coordination, and improve agility.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to learn the importance of eating healthily. The childminder reinforces this by regularly providing a balanced range of nutritional food and drinks. However, occasionally the childminder is unclear of what some children have eaten at home. As a result food is sometimes offered to children which they do not require, and food is wasted. Children's favourites include fresh fruit, such as melon and grapes. They like ham and cheese sandwiches, and mashed potatoes, vegetables and fish fingers. Children are given appropriate choices, such as whether they drink milk, water or sugar free juice. Food preparation procedures are sound. These measures are in place to positively promote children’s good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are learning clear boundaries and limits. For example, younger children know to use the little trampoline, rather than the big one, in order to keep safe. The environment is kept safe by the childminder with sound understanding of the need for a balance between freedom and safe limits. She has arranged the kitchen to effectively promote children’s safety. Accessible toys and resources are checked regularly for repair and replacement.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a welcoming environment which is systematically risk assessed before they arrive. They are appropriately learning to tidy up, to encourage them to take responsibility for themselves and other's safety. Children are kept sufficiently safe on outings. They are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 learning about road safety, and toddlers use the stand-on board at the back of the pushchair. In addition, reins and wrist straps are routinely used to keep children close to the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All fire safety precautions are in place. There are no blocked exits, adequate smoke detection on each level, and a fire blanket in the kitchen. Children are purposefully learning about emergency evacuation procedures, to encourage them to take responsibility for themselves. They have visited the fire station, read 'Francis the Firefly' and watched the associated video. This clearly reinforces fire safety. Babies are checked regularly when they are asleep. Other preventative measures include ensuring small objects are not on the floor for babies to swallow.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are sufficiently safeguarded because the childminder has developed sound knowledge and understanding of her role in child protection. If required she will put appropriate procedures into practice, such as recording concerns and notifying relevant agencies.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children find their resources fun, interesting and challenging which helps to focus their attention on the broad range of play opportunities available to learn through play. All resources are rotated, easily accessible and effectively used to support children’s overall development. Children can choose to engage in quiet, relaxing activities like reading, or playing with dolls. They have developed a trusting relationship with their carer, and enjoy cuddles and individual attention. They relate well to each other, and look forward to playing with other children at toddler group, to extend their social network.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children positively build on their natural curiosity as learners when they go through the maze, following maps and clues to get round and out of the maze. Children are currently growing sunflowers at home which they planted at the childminder's house. There is a competition to see who can grow the tallest sunflower. The childminder links relevant activities to home to effectively promote continuity with regard to children’s learning. Role play is very popular with children. They choose from an extensive range of dressing up outfits, such as Spiderman, witch, princess, and knight, all with associated accessories, to make them realistic. Children take great delight in using face paints when they turn into cats and scary people.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show great interest in what they do. They use their vivid imaginations when they play in giant cardboard boxes, which they turn into shops and castles. They learn to persist when they make mosaic calendars to take home to use. This activity is appropriately adapted for younger children who make colourful handprint calendars. Other fun activities include making spiky-hair face plates using various materials, and painting their noses red. They are effectively learning to measure when they make chicken hand puppets.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children accomplish new knowledge and skills when they watch tadpoles grow in a tank on the windowsill. They watch the childminder boil and freeze lettuce. When it is frozen children break it up to feed the tadpoles, and in time watch them change into frogs. This well organised activity enables children to understand life cycles, and encourages them to take responsibility for living things.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children are striving to be skilful when they carefully paint fridge magnets and egg cups for their gift baskets. They proudly create self portraits for display. Children are developing well, through experiential learning, such as the trip to the mining museum. History and heritage are effectively promoted during hands on activities at the museum. For example, children’s perception of space is realised when they squeeze into the small lifts used to take miners underground.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern. Toys and resources are easily accessible and all children are fully included and involved. The childminder has sound knowledge and understanding of anti discriminatory practice. There are sufficient systems in place to provide for children with special needs. Children are beginning to develop some awareness of diversity, such as culture and disability, through planned activities and suitable resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is naturally good. The childminder uses age appropriate strategies, such as explanations and distraction, to effectively manage a range of children’s differing behaviour. Children understand clear and simple house rules, such as no running in the house and no pushing. Their good behaviour is actively encouraged through positive role modelling, meaningful praise and valuing good behaviour. This helps to develop children’s self-esteem and respect for others. Children respond appropriately to the childminder’s sensitive handling of situations. For example, she gives babies lots of cuddles and reassurance to settle them for sleep. There is a good balance of adult led and child initiated activities, which encourage children to make choices and decisions to promote their confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children make sufficient progress. The childminder has developed systems to plan and evaluate children’s activities, in conjunction with parents, particularly outings. She uses daily diaries, and individual development books to show parents how their children are developing. Parents are not fully aware of the complaints procedure, although it is discussed at registration. The childminder welcomes feedback from parents with regard to their children’s care, welfare and learning. Most of the children’s individual needs are suitably met. Occasionally insufficient information is exchanged to fully inform some childcare practices, such as meal routines and medication.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to continual improvement. She obtains relevant training to keep up to date with current childcare practice. The childminder has sufficient understanding of vetting procedures to appropriately safeguard children in her care. At the time of inspection the childminder was in breach of conditions of registration, as she was caring for more children under five years than she is registered for.

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Organisation

The childminder organises available space in the best interest of children, and there is sufficient space for meals, rest and play. She plans activities to make good use of her time and activities

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 are suitably supported. Daily and weekly routines are established, and as a result children feel secure in a predictable, stable environment.

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Organisation

Most of the required documentation is in place to promote children’s care, welfare and learning. Records are stored securely and maintained in an orderly fashion for easy access. The childminder respects confidentiality, and keeps parents informed of their children’s progress. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection one action and two recommendations were raised to improve children's learning and safety. Written parental consent is obtained for the childminder to seek emergency medical assistance. This is done to safeguard children's good health. Children practise emergency evacuation procedures which has enhanced fire safety precautions at the setting. The childminder promotes diversity through a suitable range of resources and activities. This is done to extend children's learning, and to develop their understanding of differences in the wider community.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop existing procedures with parents and obtain additional information to fully inform childcare practices • develop the existing complaints procedure and include how parents may contact Ofsted if necessary • comply with conditions of registration regarding the number and ages of children who may be cared for at any one time.

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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